Got the green screen hung in the garage.
This is the first test......
What the media won't tell you about President Obama
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Media loves to say that President Obama is not getting much accomplished which the facts belie and fail to report the 90 plus accomplishments of administration, so far!"
Professor Watson writes Hi friends,I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far.
I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done.
Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole.
The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.As such, there is a need to set the record straight.
What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process.
Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).Robert
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no tor
ture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters46. Closed offshore tax safe havens47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quaters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reformOh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!bRobert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American StudiesLynn University"
__________________
Professor Watson writes Hi friends,I am always being asked to grade Obama's presidency. In place of offering him a grade, I put together a list of his accomplishments thus far.
I think you would agree that it is very impressive. His first six months have been even more active than FDRs or LBJs the two standards for such assessments. Yet, there is little media attention given to much of what he has done.
Of late, the media is focusing almost exclusively on Obama's critics, without holding them responsible for the uncivil, unconstructive tone of their disagreements or without holding the previous administration responsible for getting us in such a deep hole.
The misinformation and venom that now passes for political reporting and civic debate is beyond description.As such, there is a need to set the record straight.
What most impresses me is the fact that Obama has accomplished so much not from a heavy-handed or top-down approach but from a style that has institutionalized efforts to reach across the aisle, encourage vigorous debate, and utilize town halls and panels of experts in the policy-making process.
Beyond the accomplishments, the process is good for democracy and our democratic processes have been battered and bruised in recent years.Let me know if I missed anything in the list (surely I did).Robert
1. Ordered all federal agencies to undertake a study and make recommendations for ways to cut spending
2. Ordered a review of all federal operations to identify and cut wasteful spending and practices
3. Instituted enforcement for equal pay for women
4. Beginning the withdrawal of US troops from Iraq
5. Families of fallen soldiers have expenses covered to be on hand when the body arrives at Dover AFB
6. Ended media blackout on war casualties; reporting full information
7. Ended media blackout on covering the return of fallen soldiers to Dover AFB; the media is now permitted to do so pending adherence to respectful rules and approval of fallen soldier's family
8. The White House and federal government are respecting the Freedom of Information Act
9. Instructed all federal agencies to promote openness and transparency as much as possible
10. Limits on lobbyist's access to the White House
11. Limits on White House aides working for lobbyists after their tenure in the administration
12. Ended the previous stop-loss policy that kept soldiers in Iraq/Afghanistan longer than their enlistment date
13. Phasing out the expensive F-22 war plane and other outdated weapons systems, which weren't even used or needed in Iraq/Afghanistan
14. Removed restrictions on embryonic stem-cell research
15. Federal support for stem-cell and new biomedical research
16. New federal funding for science and research labs
17. States are permitted to enact federal fuel efficiency standards above federal standards
18. Increased infrastructure spending (roads, bridges, power plants) after years of neglect
19. Funds for high-speed, broadband Internet access to K-12 schools
20. New funds for school construction
21. The prison at Guantanamo Bay is being phased out
22. US Auto industry rescue plan
23. Housing rescue plan24. $789 billion economic stimulus plan
25. The public can meet with federal housing insurers to refinance (the new plan can be completed in one day) a mortgage if they are having trouble paying
26. US financial and banking rescue plan
27. The secret detention facilities in Eastern Europe and elsewhere are being closed
28. Ended the previous policy; the US now has a no tor
ture policy and is in compliance with the Geneva Convention standards
29. Better body armor is now being provided to our troops
30. The missile defense program is being cut by $1.4 billion in 2010
31. Restarted the nuclear nonproliferation talks and building back up the nuclear inspection infrastructure/protocols
32. Reengaged in the treaties/agreements to protect the Antarctic
33. Reengaged in the agreements/talks on global warming and greenhouse gas emissions
34. Visited more countries and met with more world leaders than any president in his first six months in office
35. Successful release of US captain held by Somali pirates; authorized the SEALS to do their job
36. US Navy increasing patrols off Somali coast37. Attractive tax write-offs for those who buy hybrid automobiles
38. Cash for clunkers program offers vouchers to trade in fuel inefficient, polluting old cars for new cars; stimulated auto sales
39. Announced plans to purchase fuel efficient American-made fleet for the federal government
40. Expanded the SCHIP program to cover health care for 4 million more children
41. Signed national service legislation; expanded national youth service program
42. Instituted a new policy on Cuba, allowing Cuban families to return home to visit loved ones
43. Ended the previous policy of not regulating and labeling carbon dioxide emissions
44. Expanding vaccination programs
45. Immediate and efficient response to the floods in North Dakota and other natural disasters46. Closed offshore tax safe havens47. Negotiated deal with Swiss banks to permit US government to gain access to records of tax evaders and criminals48. Ended the previous policy of offering tax benefits to corporations who outsource American jobs; the new policy is to promote in-sourcing to bring jobs back
49. Ended the previous practice of protecting credit card companies; in place of it are new consumer protections from credit card industry's predatory practices
50. Energy producing plants must begin preparing to produce 15% of their energy from renewable sources
51. Lower drug costs for seniors
52. Ended the previous practice of forbidding Medicare from negotiating with drug manufacturers for cheaper drugs; the federal government is now realizing hundreds of millions in savings
53. Increasing pay and benefits for military personnel
54. Improved housing for military personnel
55. Initiating a new policy to promote federal hiring of military spouses
56. Improved conditions at Walter Reed Military Hospital and other military hospitals
57. Increasing student loans
58. Increasing opportunities in AmeriCorps program
59. Sent envoys to Middle East and other parts of the world that had been neglected for years; reengaging in multilateral and bilateral talks and diplomacy
60. Established a new cyber security office
61. Beginning the process of reforming and restructuring the military 20 years after the Cold War to a more modern fighting force; this includes new procurement policies, increasing size of military, new technology and cyber units and operations, etc.
62. Ended previous policy of awarding no-bid defense contracts
63. Ordered a review of hurricane and natural disaster preparedness
64. Established a National Performance Officer charged with saving the federal government money and making federal operations more efficient
65. Students struggling to make college loan payments can have their loans refinanced
66. Improving benefits for veterans
67. Many more press conferences and town halls and much more media access than previous administration
68. Instituted a new focus on mortgage fraud
69. The FDA is now regulating tobacco
70. Ended previous policy of cutting the FDA and circumventing FDA rules
71. Ended previous practice of having White House aides rewrite scientific and environmental rules, regulations, and reports
72. Authorized discussions with North Korea and private mission by Pres. Bill Clinton to secure the release of two Americans held in prisons
73. Authorized discussions with Myanmar and mission by Sen. Jim Web to secure the release of an American held captive
74. Making more loans available to small businesses
75. Established independent commission to make recommendations on slowing the costs of Medicare
76. Appointment of first Latina to the Supreme Court77. Authorized construction/opening of additional health centers to care for veterans78. Limited salaries of senior White House aides; cut to $100,000
79. Renewed loan guarantees for Israel
80. Changed the failing/status quo military command in Afghanistan81. Deployed additional troops to Afghanistan
82. New Afghan War policy that limits aerial bombing and prioritizes aid, development of infrastructure, diplomacy, and good government practices by Afghans
83. Announced the long-term development of a national energy grid with renewable sources and cleaner, efficient energy production
84. Returned money authorized for refurbishment of White House offices and private living quaters
85. Paid for redecoration of White House living quarters out of his own pocket
86. Held first Seder in White House
87. Attempting to reform the nation's healthcare system which is the most expensive in the world yet leaves almost 50 million without health insurance and millions more under insured
88. Has put the ball in play for comprehensive immigration reform
89. Has announced his intention to push for energy reform
90. Has announced his intention to push for education reformOh, and he built a swing set for the girls outside the Oval Office!bRobert P. Watson, Ph.D.Coordinator of American StudiesLynn University"
__________________
Pocket Tazer
Pocket Tazer Stun Gun, a great gift for the wife.A guy who purchased his lovely wife a pocket Tazer for their anniversary submitted this:
Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized Tazer.
The effects of the Tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety.....??WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home.
I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time, I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs.AWESOME!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two AAA batteries, right?
There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target.I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and then thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised.
Am I wrong?
So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and Tazer in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; and a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference (loaded with two itsy, bitsy AAA batteries); pretty cute really, and thinking to myself, 'no possible way!
What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side so as to say, 'Don't do it stupid,' reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny lil ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it.
I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and...HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. WHAT THE... !!!I'm pretty sure Hulk Hogan ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs! The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution: there is NO such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor! A three second burst would be considered conservative! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace..
The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching.
My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling. Apparently I had crapped in my shorts, but was too numb to know for sure, and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head, which I believe came from my hair.
I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return!PS: My wife can't stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift and now regularly threatens me with it!If you think education is difficult, try being stupid!!!!
Last weekend I saw something at Larry's Pistol & Pawn Shop that sparked my interest. The occasion was our 15th anniversary and I was looking for a little something extra for my wife Julie. What I came across was a 100,000-volt, pocket/purse-sized Tazer.
The effects of the Tazer were supposed to be short lived, with no long term adverse affect on your assailant, allowing her adequate time to retreat to safety.....??WAY TOO COOL! Long story short, I bought the device and brought it home.
I loaded two AAA batteries in the darn thing and pushed the button. Nothing! I was disappointed. I learned, however, that if I pushed the button and pressed it against a metal surface at the same time, I'd get the blue arc of electricity darting back and forth between the prongs.AWESOME!!! Unfortunately, I have yet to explain to Julie what that burn spot is on the face of her microwave.Okay, so I was home alone with this new toy, thinking to myself that it couldn't be all that bad with only two AAA batteries, right?
There I sat in my recliner, my cat Gracie looking on intently (trusting little soul) while I was reading the directions and thinking that I really needed to try this thing out on a flesh & blood moving target.I must admit I thought about zapping Gracie (for a fraction of a second) and then thought better of it. She is such a sweet cat. But, if I was going to give this thing to my wife to protect herself against a mugger, I did want some assurance that it would work as advertised.
Am I wrong?
So, there I sat in a pair of shorts and a tank top with my reading glasses perched delicately on the bridge of my nose, directions in one hand, and Tazer in another. The directions said that a one-second burst would shock and disorient your assailant; a two-second burst was supposed to cause muscle spasms and a major loss of bodily control; and a three-second burst would purportedly make your assailant flop on the ground like a fish out of water. Any burst longer than three seconds would be wasting the batteries.All the while I'm looking at this little device measuring about 5" long, less than 3/4 inch in circumference (loaded with two itsy, bitsy AAA batteries); pretty cute really, and thinking to myself, 'no possible way!
What happened next is almost beyond description, but I'll do my best.I'm sitting there alone, Gracie looking on with her head cocked to one side so as to say, 'Don't do it stupid,' reasoning that a one second burst from such a tiny lil ole thing couldn't hurt all that bad.. I decided to give myself a one second burst just for heck of it.
I touched the prongs to my naked thigh, pushed the button, and...HOLY MOTHER OF GOD. WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION. WHAT THE... !!!I'm pretty sure Hulk Hogan ran in through the side door, picked me up in the recliner, then body slammed us both on the carpet, over and over and over again. I vaguely recall waking up on my side in the fetal position, with tears in my eyes, body soaking wet, both nipples on fire, testicles nowhere to be found, with my left arm tucked under my body in the oddest position, and tingling in my legs! The cat was making meowing sounds I had never heard before, clinging to a picture frame hanging above the fireplace, obviously in an attempt to avoid getting slammed by my body flopping all over the living room.Note: If you ever feel compelled to 'mug' yourself with a Tazer, one note of caution: there is NO such thing as a one second burst when you zap yourself! You will not let go of that thing until it is dislodged from your hand by a violent thrashing about on the floor! A three second burst would be considered conservative! A minute or so later (I can't be sure, as time was a relative thing at that point), I collected my wits (what little I had left), sat up and surveyed the landscape. My bent reading glasses were on the mantel of the fireplace..
The recliner was upside down and about 8 feet or so from where it originally was. My triceps, right thigh and both nipples were still twitching.
My face felt like it had been shot up with Novocain, and my bottom lip weighed 88 lbs. I had no control over the drooling. Apparently I had crapped in my shorts, but was too numb to know for sure, and my sense of smell was gone. I saw a faint smoke cloud above my head, which I believe came from my hair.
I'm still looking for my testicles and I'm offering a significant reward for their safe return!PS: My wife can't stop laughing about my experience, loved the gift and now regularly threatens me with it!If you think education is difficult, try being stupid!!!!
Disney
So Disney Is not Too Keen on Black Men, Eh?Cartoons consisting of racial undertones aimed at African-Americans are nothing new.
The last attempt that made prominent news throughout the media was one published by the New York Post back in February. It depicted the police shooting dead Travis the Chimp then them saying, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” This blatantly insensitive satire manifests the historic attack of African-Americans – specifically our President, Barack Obama – being synonymous with monkeys. Of course, there were "people" who urgently defended this monstrosity as innocently portraying current politics without any harmful intention. Consequently, it only further insults African-American critics’ intelligence and is simultaneously laughable.
How many imbeciles do they really think they’ll truly beguile with such uttered swill? However, when cartoons are very apparent with their racism it only makes them more easily forgettable for their ignorance while others are tactfully less egregious. Disney’s upcoming 2009 American animated family feature film, The Princess and the Frog, is a little more subliminal with its approach. As many already know, Disney plans to add an African-American princess to its repertoire of past princesses – Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, etc. – with the release of The Princess and the Frog. Initially, it was titled The Frog Princess. Needless to say, it received some negative backlash from the PC public and was soon after altered. I would have thought the title just seriously lacked sentimentalism and was not exactly complimentary to the African-American woman.
But according to a Disney blogger by the name of Jim Hill, the main reason for the change was because the original title might have been regarded as a slur on the French. After all, the setting of this film is in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 1920s. Other adjustments that were made included the changed name of the 19-year-old black female protagonist from Maddy to Tiana. Some complained of the central character being a chambermaid to a spoiled white girl and the addition of a “slave name” like Maddy to top it off was undoubtedly demeaning. Even though I agree, what nettled me most was another grueling flaw within the context of the fairytale. The heroic prince that Princess Tiana is to marry is white.From sources I’ve read, representatives of Disney claim it is to be exemplary of today’s “melting pot.” They had first conjured this project up more than three years ago, now. At some point, it was conceivable somebody at Disney would have had some sort of epiphany – an ingenious answer, or at least one “exemplary” of being thought out with some effort for the imminent question, “Why not a black man?”
But instead, the only thing “exemplary” is the diminutive critical thinking skills going on at Disney Headquarters if their only rebuttal is the lame cop out “melting pot”! Is the audience supposed to forget the 1920s was a Pre-Civil Rights Movement era? The whole notion of an interracial relationship offensively neglects the reality of black American history. This was a time when black love between African-American men and women couldn’t have been stronger despite the inhumane treatment of both. I understand it is not meant to be a polemic and is just a musical cartoon. But there is no excuse for it to be intentionally nonsensical. And Disney throws more gasoline on the fire when they paint the villain, Dr. Duvalier, as a Big Black Voodoo Daddy.
Only a complete idiot would entertain the idea of this being a coincidence. It’s very obvious Disney has a problem with black men. Perhaps, they feel we are not worthy of wearing crowns and rescuing our own black damsels in distress. As a result, I can ensure many black men will have a “problem” with Disney and its abomination of a movie, too. Is this flick supposed to be some kind of psychological manipulation on little black girls or something? What African-American man would want to take his daughter(s) to a movie that is trying to portray the ideal savior prince for little black girls as some Caucasoid hope rather than a man who more so resembles himself – a black man? This is disrespectful, and a few of the casting members should be ashamed of themselves for partaking in this atrocity – particularly Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) and Keith David (Crash, Men at Work). The inclusion of Oprah Winfrey doesn’t surprise me, though. She probably advocated the whole idea of a Caucasian prince due to her own general detest for black men.
That's why I never tune in to her show. And I am aware many other black people would advise having the same attitude towards this Disney film as they brush it off their shoulders apathetically with a shrug and a scoff.Yes, by not becoming a patron to this garbage is definitely the most standardized approach in an effort for it to flop – not likely, though. Still, since Disney is a multi-billion dollar entity the magnitude of its marketing scheme is bound to find its way to the television sets of daycare centers where black children will view it. Sadly, it will make an everlasting influence on some little ones. The optimum step is making sure the black community isn’t lucrative for this cinematic product. Stay alert my people!!!
The last attempt that made prominent news throughout the media was one published by the New York Post back in February. It depicted the police shooting dead Travis the Chimp then them saying, “They’ll have to find someone else to write the next stimulus bill.” This blatantly insensitive satire manifests the historic attack of African-Americans – specifically our President, Barack Obama – being synonymous with monkeys. Of course, there were "people" who urgently defended this monstrosity as innocently portraying current politics without any harmful intention. Consequently, it only further insults African-American critics’ intelligence and is simultaneously laughable.
How many imbeciles do they really think they’ll truly beguile with such uttered swill? However, when cartoons are very apparent with their racism it only makes them more easily forgettable for their ignorance while others are tactfully less egregious. Disney’s upcoming 2009 American animated family feature film, The Princess and the Frog, is a little more subliminal with its approach. As many already know, Disney plans to add an African-American princess to its repertoire of past princesses – Cinderella, Snow White, Pocahontas, etc. – with the release of The Princess and the Frog. Initially, it was titled The Frog Princess. Needless to say, it received some negative backlash from the PC public and was soon after altered. I would have thought the title just seriously lacked sentimentalism and was not exactly complimentary to the African-American woman.
But according to a Disney blogger by the name of Jim Hill, the main reason for the change was because the original title might have been regarded as a slur on the French. After all, the setting of this film is in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, during the 1920s. Other adjustments that were made included the changed name of the 19-year-old black female protagonist from Maddy to Tiana. Some complained of the central character being a chambermaid to a spoiled white girl and the addition of a “slave name” like Maddy to top it off was undoubtedly demeaning. Even though I agree, what nettled me most was another grueling flaw within the context of the fairytale. The heroic prince that Princess Tiana is to marry is white.From sources I’ve read, representatives of Disney claim it is to be exemplary of today’s “melting pot.” They had first conjured this project up more than three years ago, now. At some point, it was conceivable somebody at Disney would have had some sort of epiphany – an ingenious answer, or at least one “exemplary” of being thought out with some effort for the imminent question, “Why not a black man?”
But instead, the only thing “exemplary” is the diminutive critical thinking skills going on at Disney Headquarters if their only rebuttal is the lame cop out “melting pot”! Is the audience supposed to forget the 1920s was a Pre-Civil Rights Movement era? The whole notion of an interracial relationship offensively neglects the reality of black American history. This was a time when black love between African-American men and women couldn’t have been stronger despite the inhumane treatment of both. I understand it is not meant to be a polemic and is just a musical cartoon. But there is no excuse for it to be intentionally nonsensical. And Disney throws more gasoline on the fire when they paint the villain, Dr. Duvalier, as a Big Black Voodoo Daddy.
Only a complete idiot would entertain the idea of this being a coincidence. It’s very obvious Disney has a problem with black men. Perhaps, they feel we are not worthy of wearing crowns and rescuing our own black damsels in distress. As a result, I can ensure many black men will have a “problem” with Disney and its abomination of a movie, too. Is this flick supposed to be some kind of psychological manipulation on little black girls or something? What African-American man would want to take his daughter(s) to a movie that is trying to portray the ideal savior prince for little black girls as some Caucasoid hope rather than a man who more so resembles himself – a black man? This is disrespectful, and a few of the casting members should be ashamed of themselves for partaking in this atrocity – particularly Anika Noni Rose (Dreamgirls) and Keith David (Crash, Men at Work). The inclusion of Oprah Winfrey doesn’t surprise me, though. She probably advocated the whole idea of a Caucasian prince due to her own general detest for black men.
That's why I never tune in to her show. And I am aware many other black people would advise having the same attitude towards this Disney film as they brush it off their shoulders apathetically with a shrug and a scoff.Yes, by not becoming a patron to this garbage is definitely the most standardized approach in an effort for it to flop – not likely, though. Still, since Disney is a multi-billion dollar entity the magnitude of its marketing scheme is bound to find its way to the television sets of daycare centers where black children will view it. Sadly, it will make an everlasting influence on some little ones. The optimum step is making sure the black community isn’t lucrative for this cinematic product. Stay alert my people!!!
drink wine
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
To my friends who enjoy a glass of wine ... and those who don't ... As Ben Franklin said: In wine there is wisdom, in beer there is freedom, in water there is bacteria.
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop...
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service!
In a number of carefully controlled trials, scientists have demonstrated that if we drink 1 liter of water each day, at the end of the year we would have absorbed more than 1 kilo of Escherichia coli, (E. coli) - bacteria found in feces. In other words, we are consuming 1 kilo of poop...
However, we do NOT run that risk when drinking wine & beer (or tequila, rum, whiskey or other liquor) because alcohol has to go through a purification process of boiling, filtering and/or fermenting.Remember: Water = Poop, Wine = Health
Therefore, it's better to drink wine and talk stupid, than to drink water and be full of shit.
There is no need to thank me for this valuable information: I'm doing it as a public service!
This should be called 12 things every man needs to do
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Written by a black woman in the 1900's
12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself by Nannie Helen Burroughs
1. The Negro Must Learn To Put First Things First. The First ThingsAre: Education; Development of Character Traits; A Trade and HomeOwnership.The Negro puts too much of his earning in clothes, in food,in show and in having what he calls 'a good time.' The Dr. KellyMiller said, 'The Negro buys what he WANTS and begs for what heneeds.'
2. The Negro Must Stop Expecting God and White Folk To Do For HimWhat He Can Do For Himself.It is the 'Divine Plan' that the strong shall help the weak,but even God does not do for man what man can do for himself. TheNegro will have to do exactly what Jesus told the man (in John 5:8) todo--Carry his own load--'Take up your bed and walk.
'3. The Negro Must Keep Himself, His Children And His Home Clean AndMake The Surroundings In Which He Lives Comfortable and Attractive.He must learn to 'run his community up'--not down. We cansegregate by law, we integrate only by living. Civilization is not amatter of race, it is a matter of standards. Believe it or not--someday, some race is going to outdo the Anglo-Saxon, completely. It canbe the Negro race, if the Negro gets sense enough. Civilization goesup and down that way.
4. The Negro Must Learn To Dress More Appropriately For Work And For Leisure.Knowing what to wear--how to wear it--when to wear it andwhere to wear it, are earmarks of common sense, culture and also anindex to character.
5. The Negro Must Make His Religion An Everyday Practice And Not JustA Sunday-Go-To Meeting Emotional Affair.
6. The Negro Must Highly Resolve To Wipe Out Mass Ignorance.The leaders of the race must teach and inspire the masses tobecome eager and determined to improve mentally, morally andspiritually, and to meet the basic requirements of good citizenship.We should initiate an intensive literacy campaign in America , as wellas in Africa . Ignorance--is a millstone about the neck of the race.It is democracy's greatest burden. Social integration is arelationship attained as a result of the cultivation of kindred socialideals, interests and standards. It is a blending process thatrequires time, understanding and kindred purposes to achieve.. Likesalone and not laws can do it.
7. The Negro Must Stop Charging His Failures Up To His 'Color' AndTo White People's Attitude.The truth of the matter is that good service and conduct will makesenseless race prejudice fade like mist before the rising sun. Godnever intended that a man's color shall be anything other than a badgeof distinction. It is high time that all races were earning that fact.The Negro must first QUALIFY for whatever position he wants. Purpose,initiative, ingenuity and industry are the keys tha t all men use toget what they want. The Negro will have to do the same. He must makehimself a workman who is too skilled not to be wanted, and tooDEPENDABLE not to be on the job, according to promise or plan. He willnever become a vital factor in industry until he learns to put intohis work the vitalizing force of initiative, skill and dependability.He has gone 'RIGHTS' mad and 'DUTY' dumb.
8. The Negro Must Overcome His Bad Job Habits.He must make a brand new reputation for himself in the worldof labor. His bad job habits are absenteeism, funerals to attend, or alittle business to look after. The Negro runs an off and on business.He also has a bad reputation for co nduct on the job--such as pettyquarreling with other help, incessant loud talking about nothing;loafing, carelessness, due to lack of job pride; insolence, gumchewing and--too often--liquor drinking. Just plain bad job habits!
9. He Must Improve His Conduct In Public Places.Taken as a whole, he is entirely too loud and too ill-mannered. Thereis much talk about wiping out racial segregation and also much talkabout achieving integration. Segregation is a physical arrangement bywhich people are separated in various services. It is definitely up tothe Negro to wipe out the apparent justification or excuse forsegregation. The only effective way to do it is to clean up and keepclean. By practice, cleanliness will become a habit and habit becomescharacter.
10. The Negro Must Learn How To Operate Business For People--Not ForNegro People, Only.To do business, he will have to remove all typical'earmarks,' business principles; measure up to accepted standards andmeet stimulating competition, graciously--in fact, he must learn towelcome competition.
11. The Average So-Called Educated Negro Will Have To Come Down OutOf The Air. He Is Too inflated Over Nothing. He Needs An Experience Similar To The One That Ezekiel Had--(Ezekiel 3:14-19). And He MustDo What Ezekiel DidOtherwise, through indifference, as to the plight of the masses, theNegro, who thinks that he has escaped, will lose his own soul. It willdo all leaders good to read Hebrews 13:3, and the first Thirty-sevenChapters of Ezekiel. A race transformation itself through its ownleaders and its sensible 'common people.' A race rises on its ownwings, or is held down by its own weight. True leaders are never'things apart from the people.' They are the masses. They simply gotto the front ahead of them. Their only business at the front is toinspire to masses by hard work and noble example and challenge them to'Come on!' Dante stated a fact when he said, 'Show the people thelight and they will find the way!' There must arise within the Negrorace a leadership that is not out hunting bargains for itself. A nobleexample is found in the men and women of the Negro race, who, in th eearly days, laid down their lives fo r the people. Their invaluablecontributions have not been appraised by the 'latter-day leaders.' Inmany cases, their names would never be recorded, among the unsungheroes of the world, but for the fact that white friends have writtenthem there.'Lord, God of Hosts, Be with us yet.'The Negro of today does not realize that, but, for theseexhibits A's, that certainly show the innate possibilities of membersof their own race, white people would not have been moved to make suchprincely investments in lives and money, as they have made, for theestablishment of schools and for the on-going of the race.
12. The Negro Must Stop Forgetting His Friends. 'Remember.'Read Deuteronomy 24:18. Deuteronomy rings the big bell ofgratitude. Why? Because an ingrate is an abomination in the sight ofGod. God is constantly telling us that 'I the Lord thy God deliveredyou'--through human instrumentalities. The American Negro has had andstill has friends--in the North and in the South. These friends notonly pray, speak, write, influence others, but make unbelievable,unpublished sacrifices and contributions for the advancement of therace--for their brothers in bonds. The noblest thing that the Negrocan do is to so live and labor that these benefactors will not havegiven in vain. The Negro must make his heart warm with gratitude, hislips sweet with thanks and his heart and mind resolute with purpose tojustify the sacrifices and stand on his feet and go forward--'God isno respector of persons. In every nation, he that feareth him andworketh righteousness is' sure t o w in out.
Get to work! That's thean swer to everything that hurts us. We talk too much about nothing instead of redeeming the time by working.
R-E-M-E-M-B-E-RIn spite of race prejudice, America is brim full of opportunities. Goafter them!And, this was written in the early 1900's! The more things change themore they stay the same.
12 Things The Negro Must Do For Himself by Nannie Helen Burroughs
1. The Negro Must Learn To Put First Things First. The First ThingsAre: Education; Development of Character Traits; A Trade and HomeOwnership.The Negro puts too much of his earning in clothes, in food,in show and in having what he calls 'a good time.' The Dr. KellyMiller said, 'The Negro buys what he WANTS and begs for what heneeds.'
2. The Negro Must Stop Expecting God and White Folk To Do For HimWhat He Can Do For Himself.It is the 'Divine Plan' that the strong shall help the weak,but even God does not do for man what man can do for himself. TheNegro will have to do exactly what Jesus told the man (in John 5:8) todo--Carry his own load--'Take up your bed and walk.
'3. The Negro Must Keep Himself, His Children And His Home Clean AndMake The Surroundings In Which He Lives Comfortable and Attractive.He must learn to 'run his community up'--not down. We cansegregate by law, we integrate only by living. Civilization is not amatter of race, it is a matter of standards. Believe it or not--someday, some race is going to outdo the Anglo-Saxon, completely. It canbe the Negro race, if the Negro gets sense enough. Civilization goesup and down that way.
4. The Negro Must Learn To Dress More Appropriately For Work And For Leisure.Knowing what to wear--how to wear it--when to wear it andwhere to wear it, are earmarks of common sense, culture and also anindex to character.
5. The Negro Must Make His Religion An Everyday Practice And Not JustA Sunday-Go-To Meeting Emotional Affair.
6. The Negro Must Highly Resolve To Wipe Out Mass Ignorance.The leaders of the race must teach and inspire the masses tobecome eager and determined to improve mentally, morally andspiritually, and to meet the basic requirements of good citizenship.We should initiate an intensive literacy campaign in America , as wellas in Africa . Ignorance--is a millstone about the neck of the race.It is democracy's greatest burden. Social integration is arelationship attained as a result of the cultivation of kindred socialideals, interests and standards. It is a blending process thatrequires time, understanding and kindred purposes to achieve.. Likesalone and not laws can do it.
7. The Negro Must Stop Charging His Failures Up To His 'Color' AndTo White People's Attitude.The truth of the matter is that good service and conduct will makesenseless race prejudice fade like mist before the rising sun. Godnever intended that a man's color shall be anything other than a badgeof distinction. It is high time that all races were earning that fact.The Negro must first QUALIFY for whatever position he wants. Purpose,initiative, ingenuity and industry are the keys tha t all men use toget what they want. The Negro will have to do the same. He must makehimself a workman who is too skilled not to be wanted, and tooDEPENDABLE not to be on the job, according to promise or plan. He willnever become a vital factor in industry until he learns to put intohis work the vitalizing force of initiative, skill and dependability.He has gone 'RIGHTS' mad and 'DUTY' dumb.
8. The Negro Must Overcome His Bad Job Habits.He must make a brand new reputation for himself in the worldof labor. His bad job habits are absenteeism, funerals to attend, or alittle business to look after. The Negro runs an off and on business.He also has a bad reputation for co nduct on the job--such as pettyquarreling with other help, incessant loud talking about nothing;loafing, carelessness, due to lack of job pride; insolence, gumchewing and--too often--liquor drinking. Just plain bad job habits!
9. He Must Improve His Conduct In Public Places.Taken as a whole, he is entirely too loud and too ill-mannered. Thereis much talk about wiping out racial segregation and also much talkabout achieving integration. Segregation is a physical arrangement bywhich people are separated in various services. It is definitely up tothe Negro to wipe out the apparent justification or excuse forsegregation. The only effective way to do it is to clean up and keepclean. By practice, cleanliness will become a habit and habit becomescharacter.
10. The Negro Must Learn How To Operate Business For People--Not ForNegro People, Only.To do business, he will have to remove all typical'earmarks,' business principles; measure up to accepted standards andmeet stimulating competition, graciously--in fact, he must learn towelcome competition.
11. The Average So-Called Educated Negro Will Have To Come Down OutOf The Air. He Is Too inflated Over Nothing. He Needs An Experience Similar To The One That Ezekiel Had--(Ezekiel 3:14-19). And He MustDo What Ezekiel DidOtherwise, through indifference, as to the plight of the masses, theNegro, who thinks that he has escaped, will lose his own soul. It willdo all leaders good to read Hebrews 13:3, and the first Thirty-sevenChapters of Ezekiel. A race transformation itself through its ownleaders and its sensible 'common people.' A race rises on its ownwings, or is held down by its own weight. True leaders are never'things apart from the people.' They are the masses. They simply gotto the front ahead of them. Their only business at the front is toinspire to masses by hard work and noble example and challenge them to'Come on!' Dante stated a fact when he said, 'Show the people thelight and they will find the way!' There must arise within the Negrorace a leadership that is not out hunting bargains for itself. A nobleexample is found in the men and women of the Negro race, who, in th eearly days, laid down their lives fo r the people. Their invaluablecontributions have not been appraised by the 'latter-day leaders.' Inmany cases, their names would never be recorded, among the unsungheroes of the world, but for the fact that white friends have writtenthem there.'Lord, God of Hosts, Be with us yet.'The Negro of today does not realize that, but, for theseexhibits A's, that certainly show the innate possibilities of membersof their own race, white people would not have been moved to make suchprincely investments in lives and money, as they have made, for theestablishment of schools and for the on-going of the race.
12. The Negro Must Stop Forgetting His Friends. 'Remember.'Read Deuteronomy 24:18. Deuteronomy rings the big bell ofgratitude. Why? Because an ingrate is an abomination in the sight ofGod. God is constantly telling us that 'I the Lord thy God deliveredyou'--through human instrumentalities. The American Negro has had andstill has friends--in the North and in the South. These friends notonly pray, speak, write, influence others, but make unbelievable,unpublished sacrifices and contributions for the advancement of therace--for their brothers in bonds. The noblest thing that the Negrocan do is to so live and labor that these benefactors will not havegiven in vain. The Negro must make his heart warm with gratitude, hislips sweet with thanks and his heart and mind resolute with purpose tojustify the sacrifices and stand on his feet and go forward--'God isno respector of persons. In every nation, he that feareth him andworketh righteousness is' sure t o w in out.
Get to work! That's thean swer to everything that hurts us. We talk too much about nothing instead of redeeming the time by working.
R-E-M-E-M-B-E-RIn spite of race prejudice, America is brim full of opportunities. Goafter them!And, this was written in the early 1900's! The more things change themore they stay the same.
Know what you read
Friday, November 6, 2009
All praise him.... Who is him? Can you read? Do you understand what you have read.
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. (Buddha)
Know who wrote the book you have read before you believe in what you read (J Morgan)
I am going to kick you with my shoe. (Bubba 2009)
Believe nothing, no matter where you read it or who has said it, not even if I have said it, unless it agrees with your own reason and your own common sense. (Buddha)
Know who wrote the book you have read before you believe in what you read (J Morgan)
I am going to kick you with my shoe. (Bubba 2009)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)